When fans talk about Julius “Dr. J” Erving, they often remember his skywalking dunks, smooth grace, and his ability to make the game look effortless. But even legends face battles that test their very limits. For Dr. J, one of his toughest matchups came in the heated rivalry of the early 1980s — Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics.
The 1981 Eastern Conference Finals remains one of the most grueling tests in Erving’s career. The Sixers were stacked with talent — Andrew Toney, Maurice Cheeks, Caldwell Jones — yet standing in their way was a rising Boston dynasty led by Larry Bird, Robert Parish, and Cedric Maxwell.
Philadelphia jumped out to a 3-1 series lead, seemingly on their way to the NBA Finals. But the Celtics, fueled by their relentless defense and Bird’s leadership, clawed back game by game. Erving carried much of the offensive load for Philly, battling double-teams and the Celtics’ physical play that left no room for finesse.
Game 7 at the Boston Garden was the ultimate test. Every possession was war. Erving, known for flying over defenses, had to grind for every basket. The Celtics trapped him, forced him into tough shots, and challenged his endurance. Despite his brilliance, Boston eked out a 91–90 victory, completing one of the greatest comebacks in NBA playoff history.
For Dr. J, it was not just about the loss — it was about the emotional weight of watching a golden opportunity slip away. “That one stung for years,” Erving admitted in later interviews. “We had it in our hands and let it get away. It was one of the toughest series of my career.”
The rivalry with Boston defined much of Erving’s battles in the early ’80s. It wasn’t until 1983, after the arrival of Moses Malone, that Erving and the Sixers finally broke through, sweeping the Lakers in the Finals to cement their legacy. Yet, the scars from that 1981 war with Boston remained a defining part of Dr. J’s story.
Fans who lived through that series still recall the intensity — the Garden crowd roaring, the physical battles under the rim, and the sight of Erving fighting through exhaustion while carrying the Sixers on his shoulders.
Though the 1981 loss was devastating, it also symbolized Dr. J’s resilience. He never let it define him negatively. Instead, it fueled his hunger, his leadership, and ultimately his championship run in ’83.
Today, that Celtics-Sixers clash stands as one of the greatest rivalries in NBA history. And for Dr. J, it remains one of the toughest battles of his legendary career — proof that even in defeat, greatness can shine.
